Blue is the colour
Lingfield may be considered a less glamorous destination than Nad Al Sheba but this 10-furlong event was pinpointed soon after the four-year-old’s February romp.
Bookmakers are alive to the threat he poses with Paddy Power making him their 11-2 co-second favourite of the 12 declared runners.
Trainer William Knight said: “Illustrious Blue seems in good nick. He worked well last Saturday and I couldn’t be happier with how his preparations have gone.
“I’m very hopeful that he will run a big race. Obviously, there is a slight concern as he is stepping into Group company for the first time.
“But he is at a stage where he has to take that step as he has earned the chance and has a high enough rating to warrant running in a race like this.
“We would prefer a truly-run race and it wouldn’t be ideal if it turned into a sprint over the last two furlongs,” he told his website, www.wknightracing.co.uk.
Paddy Power also respect the chances of Andy Turnell’s consistent Blue Bajan and make him their 5-1 favourite.
After chasing home Formal Decree in the Cambridgeshire last season, he has only lost out by a short head in two subsequent starts.
“He certainly deserves a prize like this as he keeps knocking on the door and, touch wood, his preparation has all gone well,” said Turnell.
“We’ve got to be pleased with the draw (stall one) as he needs settling and covering up early on, although he is not as free as he used to be now he’s getting older.
“I assume Michael (Hills) will have him in a position to challenge and he will be going the shortest way for the first mile.
“We could do with an even gallop but it is so competitive and there are one or two others who need a decent pace so I don’t think it will be a dawdle.”
Also among tomorrow’s opposition is Jane Chapple-Hyam’s progressive bargain-buy Mighty.
Purchased for just 8,500 guineas by his handler at Tattersalls Sales in October, the son of Pivotal has gone from strength to strength but could only muster third behind Cusoon and Blue Bajan last time.
Chapple-Hyam said: “Everything’s gone to plan with him and there have been no problems.
“He came out of the trial race in good order and he’s fit and ready to go.
“I’ve had this race in mind for him since I bought him and I was very happy with his last run.
“He just got beaten by two horses that quickened up better and hopefully we can reverse the form, but the draw has not been kind to us as we have stall 12 of 12.”
Big-race partner John Egan is looking forward to the ride but echoed Chapple-Hyam’s concerns about Mighty’s draw.
He said: “My biggest scare is the draw in 12. I just hope they go a good gallop and we’ll slot in somewhere.
“He’s a very nice horse with a great cruising speed and he’ll keep going and grinding away to the line.
“He’s very good and we worked him the other morning on the Al Bahathri and he did a real nice piece of work,” he told At The Races.
Globetrotting money-spinner Hattan represents Clive Brittain in the Group Three feature after running creditably in Dubai this spring.
Speaking on www.rabbahbloodstock.com, racing director Bruce Raymond said: “Hattan certainly looks great in his coat after enjoying some sunshine in Dubai.
“Clive was really happy with how Hattan worked on Wednesday morning – he feels the horse is in good order and is expecting a good run in the Winter Derby.
“Saturday’s race is sure to be competitive but he is a high-class horse and has performed well in Group One company.”
Paddy Power bet: 5-1 Blue Bajan, 11-2 Alfie Flits, Gentleman’s Deal, Illustrious Blue, 15-2 Cusoon, 8-1 Cimyla, 9-1 Hattan, 10-1 Mighty, 12-1 Grand Passion, 14-1 Orchard Supreme, 33-1 Speedy Sam, Boo 100-1.
